Trump reveals White House ballroom will have ‘drone-free roof’ for safety of those inside
Trump on the ballroom: "It's bigger than I told you. It's, you know -- after realizing we're gonna do the inauguration in that building, it's got all bulletproof glass, it's got all drone, they call it drone-free roof. It's dronessss -- won't touch it. It's a big beautiful safe… pic.twitter.com/jNaKVFbisL
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 29, 2025
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump has announced that the White House ballroom, which is currently under construction, will feature a "drone-free roof" as part of its high-tech security measures. The project, which involved the demolition of the East Wing, is expected to be completed by 2028.
New White House ballroom to be a 'big, beautiful, safe building'
While hosting a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump discussed the progress of his signature White House project.
He revealed that the scale of the ballroom has expanded significantly since its initial conception, largely because he intends to utilize the space for the upcoming inauguration. Trump emphasized the advanced protective measures being integrated into the structure to ensure the safety of those inside.
"Now, it’s bigger than I told you. It’s, you know — after realizing we’re gonna do the inauguration in that building," Trump said.
He added, "It’s got all bulletproof glass, it’s got all drone — they call it drone-free roof, so drones won’t touch it. It’s a big, beautiful, safe building."
The POTUS also told reporters that the construction is under budget and ahead of schedule.
Ballroom costs covered entirely by private donors
The cost of the ballroom has increased over time, with initial estimates of $250 million rising to a current figure of $400 million.
President Trump has stated that the project is being funded through private donations, rather than public funds.
During a Hanukkah event at the White House, he addressed the costs by stating, "For 150 years they wanted a ballroom, and we’re giving them — myself and donors are giving them, free of charge for nothing — we’re donating a building that’s approximately $400 million."
He further suggested his personal involvement in the construction management might drive those costs down, adding, "I think I’ll do it for less. But it’s $400 million. I should do it for less. I will do it for less."
The administration has recently appointed Shalom Baranes as the new lead architect.
White House ballroom faces backlash from experts and leaders
The decision to demolish the historic East Wing to make way for the new construction has sparked significant backlash from former presidents and experts alike.
Both the Clintons and the Obamas have publicly criticized the move, arguing that such changes to "The People’s House" undermine its historical integrity.
Legal critics have also pointed out that the administration may have avoided essential protocols, claiming they went around laws requiring formal consultation with the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts.
Reportedly, Trump is expected to submit formal plans to the National Capital Planning Commission in January, marking the first official step in the project's regulatory review.
